Side Effects of Prednisone Abuse
Prednisone is a medication that helps with inflammation, swelling, and other issues, such as autoimmune problems. It is part of a class of drugs called corticosteroids and mimics the effects of the hormone cortisol. Corticosteroids are different from anabolic steroids, which are often abused by athletes and bodybuilders.
While prednisone abuse is not as common as anabolic steroid abuse, it can still have serious side effects. Let’s take a closer look at the dangers of prednisone abuse.
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What Are the Common Side Effects of Prednisone?
Prednisone use has a variety of potential side effects. The most common side effects are increased appetite, weight gain, trouble sleeping, and mood swings.
Other possible side effects include:
- Acne
- Blurry vision
- Slow wound healing
- Headache
- Upset stomach
- Changes in temperament
- Increased hair growth
- Swelling in the extremities
Prednisone should be used exactly as prescribed by a doctor. If it is not used as prescribed, there is a greater risk of developing side effects. For example, taking more prednisone than prescribed can increase the chance of developing acne. Missing doses can also lead to issues like weight gain and trouble sleeping.
What Are the Short-Term Side Effects of Prednisone?
Prednisone is meant to be taken for short periods of time, usually no longer than five days. This is because long-term use can lead to more serious side effects.
Some short-term side effects of prednisone include:
- Increased appetite
- Weight gain
- Trouble sleeping
- Mood swings
What Are the Long-Term Side Effects of Prednisone?
Long-term use of prednisone can lead to even more serious side effects. These include:
- Osteoporosis
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Muscle weakness
- Mood changes
- Weakening of the immune system
- Slow wound healing
- Decreased sex drive
If you have been taking prednisone for more than a few days, it’s essential to talk to your doctor about potential long-term side effects. They will be able to help you decide if continuing to take prednisone is the right decision for you.
Stopping prednisone suddenly can also lead to withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue, body aches, and irritability. It’s important to talk to a medical professional before stopping prednisone so that they can help you taper off the medication safely.
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Does Prednisone Affect Your Personality?
In some cases, prednisone can cause personality changes. These changes are most likely to occur in people who have taken high doses of prednisone for long periods of time.
Some personality changes that have been reported include:
- Aggression
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Psychosis
- Paranoia
It’s important to talk to your doctor if you notice any changes in your mood or behavior while taking prednisone. They will be able to determine if the changes are due to the medication or something else entirely.
What Drugs, Substances, or Supplements Interact With Prednisone?
When two drugs interact, it means that one drug may change how the other drug works. This could cause an increase or decrease in the effectiveness of either drug, or it could cause dangerous side effects.
Some drugs that interact with prednisone include:
- Alcohol
- Antidepressants
- Birth control pills
- Blood thinners
- Diabetes medications
- Seizure medications
If you are taking any other medications, prescription or over-the-counter, it’s essential to talk to your doctor before starting prednisone. They can tell you if there are potential interactions between medications you should be aware of.
In addition to medications, some supplements may interact with prednisone. These include:
- Vitamin D
- St John’s wort
- Fish oil
If you are taking any supplements, including vitamins or herbs, it’s important to talk to your doctor before starting prednisone.
Taking any medication comes with risks, which increase when the medication is abused. When taken as prescribed by a doctor, prednisone has minimal side effects. However, when abused, this medication can lead to prednisone addiction and a whole host of other problems like weight gain, mood swings, and personality changes. If you or a loved one is at risk of prednisone abuse, it’s essential to seek professional help right away.
Drug addiction is a serious problem that can lead to many dangerous consequences. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, it’s essential to be aware of the dangers and get help as soon as possible. Some of the most serious dangers of drug addiction include the following:
- Health problems: Drug addiction can cause many health problems, including liver damage, heart disease, and respiratory problems. In some cases, it can even lead to death.
- Relationship problems: Drug addiction often strains relationships and can lead to divorce. If you’re struggling with substance abuse, it’s crucial to get help before it destroys your most important relationships.
- Financial problems: Drug addiction can lead to job loss and financial ruin. It’s important to get help for substance abuse before it causes irreparable damage to your finances.
Drug abuse is a serious problem that can have devastating consequences. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, it’s crucial to get help as soon as possible. Resources are available to help you overcome addiction and get your life back on track.
Zinnia Health can help. We are a leading provider of addiction treatment services. We offer a variety of programs and services to help our clients overcome addiction and get their lives back on track. Contact us today to learn more about our programs and how we can help you or your loved one overcome addiction.
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